cored wicks-others numbers mean much?

[candleessence]

When looking @ wicks sizes -how much difference does the 2nd or 3rd number makes. I know that the 2nd # tightness of braid & 3rd is temp of wax w/ machine....for example zinc: 44-20-18 and 44-24-18 & 44-28-18 all say good for 2-3" dia. but is it a big difference w/ how tight a wick is braided (2nd number) and how exactly is "18" goind to tell me the temp of the wax?

[DanaE]

I'm absolutely no expert in the exact meaning of all the numbers. I own virtually every wick every made and although I know how to use them and in what application, I don't know all the machining terms and such.

With that being said, the 44-32's are significantly hotter than the 44-20's. I've used all three sizes of the 44's before, and you can absolutely tell the difference in burning qualities.

I remember a conversation here, a little while back, where several people had tested the difference in a 44-32z versus a 51z and felt that the 44-32's were hotter. I haven't tried that so I don't know. I just know that if a 44-24 works in a certain application, I can't substitute a 44-32Z if I run out of the other size.....

DanaE

[RobinInOR]

If you look at A&Ps charts http://www.braidway.com/Wick%20Page/New%20Rate%20Charts.htm and click on the zinc tab at the bottom, you can see the 44-32 has a slightly larger melt pool than the 51 (in regular paraffin no additives no scent).

[candleessence]

Thank you both. Im not a big zinc user but @ least now I know there is a difference so if Im going to use a certain size that their is a difference and maybe the same 1st number, w/ different number could be a better option. Great link too Robin, thanks again!